DIARY OF 

/T. GUISEPPE L. ROMEO 

Co. E, 361st Inf. 




91ST DIVISION, A. E. F. 

DURING THE WAR 



PRICE, FIFTY CENTS 



DIARY OF 

PVT. GUISEPPE L. ROMEO 



Co. E, 361st Inf. 




91ST DIVISION, A. E. F. 

DURING THE WAR 



PRICE, FIFTY CENTS 



1919 
Tacoma, Wash. 



11570 



.? 



A SYNOPSIS OF THE AUTHOR 



I, Guiseppe L. Romeo, was bom in the town of 
Chimea, Italy on April 13, 1891. 

I came to Canada from Italy in 1907 and worked in 
Montreal for about one year. I then worked my way 
to Vancouver, B. C, where I stayed until September, 1909, 
when I came to Seattle. 

I worked for the N. P. on an extra gang for about 
a year and then went to work in a snow shed up in 
the Cascade mountains. 

Later I came to Tacoma and worked at the Smelter 
and on the tunnel and for the Hans Peterson Company 
and Washington Paving Company. 

After that I returned to Seattle and went to work in 
the Pacific Steel and Iron Works, remaining there until 
drafted October 4, 1917. 

I am a citizen of the United States, having taken 
out my papers February 3rd, 1913. 



'CI.A5^6555 






MY DIARY 



I reported to Local Board, District No. 10, October 
3rd, 1917, at Seattle, Washington. 

October 4th, took train from Seattle, Washington, to 
Camp Lewis. I was asigned to the 7th Company, Depot 
Brigade, and had charge of the 23rd Squad. Didn't know 
any thing about Squads East or West. Twice a week we 
had to bathe at American Lake. 

The 21st of October was transferred to Headquarters 
Company, 361st Infantry. Was in the Pioneers Platoon, 
Drilled and hiked every day in this Company. Was 
assigned to take the Squads to English School 3 hours 
a day at the Y. M. C. A. Had a disagreement with one 
of the Corporals. Got as punishment 3 days hard labor. 
Was then transferred to Company E, 361st Infantry, 
better known as "Hungry E". We drilled days and hiked 
nights until June 23rd. 

On June 23rd, we left Camp Lewis at 12:15 o'clock. 
Went through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, 
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and 
New York. Unloaded at Hoboken, New Jersey, about 
3 a. m. on June 29th, 1918, and marched about one mile 
to Camp Merritt with full packs. We stayed at Camp 
Merritt until July 4th. We had no drilling but drew 
equipment and had our final overseas examinations. 

Before we had our examinations, I obtained a 24- 
hour pass and went to New York and Coney Island. 
Had a very good time, leaving Camp with 10 dollars 
and returning with 25 cents. 

About midnight of July 4th, we hiked with heavy 
packs about 11 miles to Hoboken, New Jersey, arriving 
there about 4:30 a. m., completely all in. 

We vs^ere not allowed to smoke or talk loud on this 
hike. We rested about 3 hours and then went aboard 



THE DIARY OF 



the boat on July 5th. She was the Scotian, a British 
freighter, manned by a British crew. We sailed down 
the Hudson River. It was dark when we went to bed 
and the next morning, July 6th, when we awoke, we were 
on the high seas bound for Scotland. 

The first thing they gave us on the boat was life 
preservers and were told to wear them at all times, even 
while we slept. There were 5000 men aboard the boat. 
We had very little to eat, mostly marmalade, goat and 
some ham. We had measles inspection, boat drills and 
physical drill without shoes on every day. Were on board 
the boat 11 days, landing at Glascow, Scotland, July 17th, 
1918. We disembarked about 6 p. m. and boarded a 3rd 
class train for Southampton, England. Arriving at 
Southampton, we hiked with full packs to a rest camp. 
It was 3:80 a. m. when we arrived at this camp. It was 
raining and very muddy and were soaked to the skin. 

We left this camp at 3:30 p. m., on July 20th, arriv- 
ing at the Southampton docks at 7 p. m. Here we again 
boarded a boat, this time for La Havre, just accross the 
English Channel. The boat was so crowded that we 
could not move around. We landed at La Havre, France, 
on the 21st and hiked to another rest camp. And believe 
me, it was some hike. About 7 miles and all up hill. 
Here we had a 3 minute steam bath. We left this rest 
camp about 4 p. m. on July 22nd and hiked back to La 
Havre, but this time it was not so bad, as it was all 
down hill and the boys were all in good spirits as the 
result of a good nights rest. 

Here we met our first experiences. We entrained 
in box cars with 40 men in each car — "40 Hommes — 8 
Chaveaux". We left the station at 7 p. m. The 2nd 
Platoon stole 3 kegs of beer but I was out of luck as I 
belonged to the 3rd Platoon on this box car trip. Private 
Goan fell off the train and was sent to the hospital and 
Private Bud Knieland got left, but later both joined the 
Company. 

We arrived at Audilly on July 24, and spent the night 
under sheds, sleeping on the ground. I was on guard that 
night and walked post for 6 hours without relief. From 
here w^e hiked to I'En Bassigney, a distance of 28 kilos. 

We arrived there about 6 o'clock on the evening of 
the 25th and w^ere assigned to billets. We moved into 
them the next morning after the hogs and chickens had 



PRIVATE ROMEO 




THE DIARY OF 



been run out. We all woke up the next morning covered 
with chicken lice. 

July 26th. The whole Company on fatigue cleaning 
up the streets of this town. They sure were some dirty. 

July 27th. Company E mounted guard. Eainod all 
day. Was lucky to get out of guard. 

July 28th. Drilled all day. 

July 29th. Same old drill — Squads East and ^Vest. 

July 30th. Drilled all day. 

July 81st. Took a hike to the surrounding villages. 
Hiked about 18 miles. 

August 1st. Had field inspection. 

August 2nd. Some drill and practice in digging 
trenches. 

August 3rd. Hiked to Essay. 

August 4th. Inspection. Band out this evening. 
Had some dancing. Lots of fun. 

August 5th. Organized Company. Was put in the 
1st Squad of the 1st Platoon. 

August 6th. Outguard problem. 

August 7th. Company hiked to Montigny. 

August 8th. Pay day. 

August 9th. Rifle Range in the morning. Went to 
Chanfert in afternoon to draw gas masks. 

August 10th. Learned new skirmish drill. 

August 11th. Same drill. 

August 12th. Drilled all day. 

August 13th. Hiked to Fort Laugner. 

August 14th. Long practice march. Only allowed 
one canteen of water on the hike. We were some dry 
when we returned. Captain told the 1st Sergeant to 
dismiss the Company and then drown themselves. Be- 
lieve me they did — in vin blanc and cognac. 

August 15th. Rifle range in a. m. More gas mask?. 
One hour pretty tough doings. 

August 16th. Drilled all day. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 



AugTist 17th. Problem from Chanfert to Surrey. 

August 18th. Inspection. 

August 19th. Dug trenches and skirmish work. 

August 20th. Dug trenches. 

August 21th. Inspection. 

August 22nd. Problem: Capturing hills of France. 

August 23rd. Went through gas house at Chanfert. 

August 24th. Problem at Surrey. 

August 25th. Inspection. 

August 26th. Drill cut to 6 hours a day. 

August 27th. Drilled all day. 

August 28th. Went to Fort Dompere, built in 1645 
and remodeled in 1870. Some Fort. 

August 29th. Drill. 

August 30th. Grenade work. 

August 31st. Big hike, 15 miles. 

September 1st Out on a two day problem. Ordered 
back to roll up and start for the front lines. 

September 2nd. No drill. 

September 3rd. Hiked about 12 miles to Raibend. 

September 4th. Arrived at Raibend. 

September 5th. Rained. Plenty of mud. 

September 6th. Left in box cars. 42 men in a car. 
Was on guard and looking for a chance to sit down, but 
the rest of the boys were doing the same. 

September 7th Still standing up in the box cars. 

September 8th. Bunk fatigue. Taking it easy. 

September 9th. Drilled part of the day. 

September 10th. Left Demauge at 9 p. m. for the 
front line trenches. 

September 11th. Landed in the woods and pitched 
tents. Gave us "Right by File" and took us over 3 hours 
to get settled. Raining hard and awful muddy. Not 
allowed to smoke or talk at night. 



10 THE DIARY OF 



September 12th Slept in the woods in a tent with 
McCorniick and another private so we could keep warm. 

Septsmber 18th. Left the woods and hiked 2 miles 
to the trucks. Twenty men to a truck. Were some 
crowded. Went to a place near Verdun. 

September 14th. Arrived in Maurats. 

September 15th. Inspection. 

Septembsr 16th. Left Maurats. Some hike. Was 
all in when we arrived and was put on a detail. Slept 
in the woods. 

September 17th. Hiked all night. 

September 18th. Reached Verd by nig-ht. 

September 19th Hiked all night. German long' range 
g-uns firing on us. 

September 20th. Heard the big guns. 

September 21st. Left the woods at 9 a. m. Stopped 
in trenches while bolnbardment was going on. 

September 22nd. Some place in back of trench lines. 

September 23rd. Still in back trenches. 

September 24th. Same place until evening we moved 
up. 

September 25th. Preparing to move up. We were 
in the trenches. Our artillery put over a barrage from 
2 a. m. until 11 a. m. 

September 26th. Moved out of the trenches at day 
break and advanced across "No-Mans Land" which was 
torn up by our artillery. The reinforced concrete 
dugouts were blown all to pieces. We advanced in skir- 
mish line. Some tough going. Casuals, as we were in 
support. Saw our first comrades who had given their all. 
Also some dead Germans. Only one meal of corned willie 
and one hard tack. Slept along side of the road. 

September 27th. First trip over the top. Few casuals. 
Captured the town of Eclesfontain. 364th took over the 
front so we moved back into some trenches for the night. 
Heavily shelled. 

September 28th. Issued some more rations. Moved 
to Eclesfontain. Mopped up some woods. Were heavily 



PRIVATE ROMEO 



n 



'"^w 





FLANDERS ..l^ 

(See Page 36 for Description) 



12 THE DIARY OF 



shelled in the p. m. McMullin and Williams killed. 
Several killed and wounded. Moved up at night and re- 
lieved the machine guns who were surrounded by the 
Germans. Raining hard all the time and awful cold. 
No raincoats or overcoats but plenty of ammunition. 

September 29th. Beaucoup shelling snippers. After- 
noon over the top. Captured three big German guns. 
Barrage. Many killed and wounded. Lieut. Armstrong 
wounded. Lieut. Hoffman in command. Captured Gesnes. 

September SOth. Had to move back out of Gesnes 
as the Divisions on the rig-ht and left had not advanced 
in support. 

October 1st. In support. Heavy artillery fire. Very 
few present for roll call. 

October 2nd. Support. Waiting for the action divi- 
sion to advance. 

October 3rd. Support. Aeroplane fights. 

October 4th. Support. Relieved. Marched ^ibout 10 
kilos to the rear. 

October 5th. Reserve. Rest in woods. 

October 6th. Reserve. Got some mail and got paid. 
Believe me, we sure were hungry for we hadn't had much 
to eat. Had about six trucks of bread. They were un- 
loaded at the edge of the woods. That night two of us 
went out and stole 6 or 7 loaves. Sure did enjoy eating 
it for we were so hungry. In the afternoon were ordered 
to take a bath in a small creek where there was about 
an inch of water. Were not allowed to drink it. First 
time to have our shoes off in 17 days. 

October 17th. Moved further back. Stopped about 
noon and pitched tents. Started back to the front at 4:30 
a. m. all in. 

October 8th. Reached front line at daylight and 
took over some support of the 32nd Division. Very fe\v 
casuals. 

October 9th. Outposts. Moved up into creek in 
afternoon. Ready to advance in skirmish line at any 
moment. Prepared for counter attack at night. 

October 10th. Stand to. No Attack. Heavy shelling 



PRIVATE ROMEO 13 



on both sides. Moved forward in come back groups 3 
kilos into the woods. 

October 11th. Held the front. Not much fighting. 
Machine gun barrage by 347th Machine Guri Battalion. 

October 12th. Quiet. Rations. It isn't night. Been 
relieved. Moved out single file. Passed the rear of the 
column about midnight. Reached our kitchen and had 
our supper. Camped for the night. 

October 13th. Hiked all day. All in. 

October 14th. Hiked. Everybody sick. 

October 15th. Hiked 18 kilos to Bar-le-Duc. 

October 16th. Hiked. All in. 

October 17th. Hiked. Sick and sent to the hospital. 

October 18th. In bed in ward K. 

October 19th. Feeling better. Walked around. Had 
a feed with Private Dutchy, Headquarters Company and 
missed the chance to go to the Hospital 

October 20th. Walked around. Went to town and 
had another feed. A Major ate with us and paid the bill. 
He was on his way to Paris. 

October 21st. Was in a poker g'ame and won 200 

Francs. 

October 22nd. Was in bed all day. 
October 23rd. Lying around all day. 

October 24th. Played Cards. Went to the Red Cross 
and had a hair cut and a cup of cocoa and some cookies 
to pass the time away. 

October 25th. Layed around all day. 

October 26th. Leave for Replacement Camp. 

October 27th. Lined up for rations and travelling' 
orders. 

October 28th, Still waiting orders and sleeping on 
floors. Had no blankets. 

October 29th. On train bound for Belgium. 

October 30th. Got off train at Noisey la Sec to draw 
rations when train pulls out and leaves us. Went to a 
hotel and got rooms and found some girls. Had some 
eats and drinks. 

October 81st. Left for another hotel out of towTi 
so that the M. Ps. wouldn't bother us. Met another 



14 THE DIARY OF 



soldier who tried to get us to join his outfit. He went 
away and got two M. Ps. who arrested us and took us 
to the "can". 

November 1st. Moved to Chelles to a larger guMrd 
house. Gra>^-headed Loot of the 158th Infantry, 40th 
Division, asked us questions. Called me Black Joe from 
Frisco. One of the M. P. Sergeants knocked me do\vn. 
In this guard house we sleep on concrete floors with, one 
blanket for three men. Had little to eat. 

November 2nd. On water detail. 

November 8rd. Cutting wood. Hard work. Had 
very little slum to eat. 

November 4th. It rained all day and was muddy 
but I had to work just the same. 

November 5th. Was on K. P. Got some tobacco and 
smoked in guard house. Guard saw us and searched us. 
Had it hid. Finally found it in my bunk but no one owned 
up to having it. The guard told me that he would be 
around that night and beat me up. They were in the 
habit of knocking the prisoners cocoo, so I moved my 
bed. We had a dead line and were not allowed to cross it. 
When we wanted to go to the latrine we would call out 
"How is the Head Sentry?" He would call out, "No. 1 
coming on the hike", and we would have to double time 
out. When we would start back they would call out, 
"No. 2 coming back on the hike," and they would double 
time back. 

November 6th. My pal was sent to farm No. 2. 
We had to go through town to get our chow and always 
march at attention. One day I forgot to keep my 40 
inches between ranks and I was reminded of it by an jM. 
P. who was in charge of the detail. He came up from 
behind and without a word of warning, hit me oshind 
the ear with his fist, but it felt more like a sapling. 
Believe me, if we hadn't had the M. Ps., I don't think we 
would have won the war. Like Hell. 

November 7th. Worked hard all day. 

November 8th. Was on detail shaking the cooties off 
the blankets. 

November Pth. Worked all day. Cooties won't let 
us sleep at night. 

November 10th. On kitchen detail. 

November 11th. Working around guard house all 
day. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 



15 




16 THE DIARY OF 



November 12th. Was latrine Serjeant. 
November 13th. Wood detail. 

November 14th. Was courtmartialed. Don't know 
what our sentence was but soon found out. I got 3 
months hard labor and two-thirds of my pay for the 
same time. 

November 15th. Taken to Novcell to serve our sen- 
tence. 

November 16th. They searched us and took all of 
our tobacco, knives and razors away from us. They said 
they would give them back to us. 

November 17th. We w^ork one week and drill the 
next week in this new camp. 

November 18th. We loaded ashes on trucks all day. 
We have a nice place to sleep mth a mattress full of 
straw and 3 blankets apiece. 

November 19th. Are sleeping upstairs over a Y. M. 
C. A. and moving pictures. Aren't allowed to go to 
any of them. 

November 20th. One of the guard detail Sergeants 
let a few of us go down stairs to see a moving pictuie 
show and have a smoke. 

November 21st Went on sick call to see the 
Doctor. Gave me a couple of pills and said I was all 
right. Went back to work. 

November 22nd. Drilled with rifles and played some 
games. 

November 23rd. Drilled all day. 

November 24th. Hiked about 4 miles and drilled the 
rest of the day. 

November 25th. Had physical exercises and played 
army games. 

November 26th. Drilled all day. 

November 27th. One of the fellows got away from 
the guard house. 

November 28th. Took a bath and tried to get rid 
of the cooties. We put our underwear through the de- 
louser to try and kill the cooties. It was no use for they 
were so thick. 

November 29th. Thanksgiving Day but a poor one 
for me. Some feed we had. Gravy, bread and butter, and 
no seconds. Worked half of the day. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 17 



November 30th. We are building a stockade. The 
mud is up to our knees. 

December 1st. Worked all day stacking lumber. For 
lunch we had a piece of bread and one can of salmon 
for 3 men. 

December 2nd. Dug ditches all day. 

December 3rd. Have 3 buildings up all ready. 

December 4th. Helped move a dynamo. 

December 5th. Worked on the buildings all day. 

December 6th. One of the carpenters gave me a 
sack of Bull Durham. Thought I was rich. Said for 
gosh sake not to say a thing to any one as he might get 
in bad. 

December 7th, Working — And dodging around trying 
to get out of all we could. 

December 8th. Off duty. Tried to get some new 
clothes. Fighting the cooties. 

December 9th. Worked all day. 

December 10th. Loaded ashes all day. 

December 11th. Back on the same detail where we 
had been working. It is a big chocolate factory. While 
waiting for the trucks to unload tried to get some choco- 
late but one of the Frogs would run us out. 

December 12th. Called my name and told to roll 
up and get ready to go. Gave all but 25 Francs of my 
money back. About half an hour later they called my 
name and told me it was a mistake. Believe me, I wss 
sure disappointed because didn't get to go. 

December 13th. The guards found out that I had 
some money. Were mad because I wouldn't give them 
any. Made me work awful hard. 

December 14th. We are allowed to smoke. Bought 
40 F. worth of Tobacco and divided it among the prison- 
ers. Believe me, We sure enjoyed ourselves. 

December 15th. Drilled in the a. m. and hiked 
in the p. m. 

December 16th. Layed around all day. Am dfe<^o- 
rating my mess kit. 

December 17th. Layed around all day. 
December 18th. Rained all day. They took us to 
the show in the evening. 



18 THE DIARY OF 



December 19th. The Loot g-ave us a speech and told 
us that our time would be up the middle of next month. 
That there was no use of any of us trying to get away. 
We sure are anxious to get away. 

December 20th. Worked all day. 

December 21st. Same detail. 

December 22nd. Moved from No. E cell to stockade. 
We had about 700 men and one kitchen and it was a tough 
time we had getting chow. Rained most of the time 
and no one can imag'ine 700 men in line to one kitchen 
standing in the rain and mud. Sleeping was pretty bum 
too. There was about a foot of mud in the barracks and 
no ticks to sleep on. It was pretty cold. 

December 23rd. Worked hard all day in the rain. 
Very little to eat and cruel treatment. 

December 24th. Same as the day before. 

December 25th. Christmas Day. The Red Cross 
gave us candy and cigarettes. Also surprised with a 
good feed. Was issued a pair of rubber boots at night. 
Some Christmas present. 

December 26th. Got orders not to smoke. Took all 
our smokes away from us. Orders changed and we are 
allowed one cigarette after each meal. On a warehouse 
detail in a. m. and on another in the p. m. 

December 27th. Worked hard all day. Very muddy 
and cold. Have bushels of cooties. No water to wash 
in and no razors. Some bum looking outfit. 

December 28th. Met a friend named Hildron in the 
guard house. Was a Mess Sergeant but now a prisoner 
like me. Asked for a job in the kitchen but never got 
it. But he got his. He was caught selling rations to the 
Frogs and got a general court martial. 

December 29th. Told my time would be up January 
24th. One more month of slaving. 

December 30th. The Major investig-ated our condition 
The Loot was courtmartialed and sent back to the states 
as a private. 

December 31st. Camp condemned and work in the 
buildings stopped. Had to dig some ditches. 
January 1st. New Years' Day. Holiday. 

January 2nd. Started tearing down the barracks we 
had built. 

January 3rd. On another detail]. 



PlilVATE ROMEO 



13 




DESTRUCTION OF CLOTH HALL. 



A picture of Cloth Hall, in the city of Ypres 
Belgium, which at one time was considered to be the 
most beautiful cathedral in the world, where the 
kings of Belgium were crowned. It is said the 
Kaiser anticipated being crowned king of Belgium 
there, but the Allies sadly disappointed him. In 
chagrin he ordered the shelling of Cloth Hall by his 
heavy guns in May, 1915, while held by the Ca- 
nadian forces, completely destroying this wonderful 
edifice. 



20 THE DIARY OF 



January 4tli. Carried lumber all day. 

January 5th. Went on trucks to get ashes for side- 
walks. Drunken M. P. run us in a ditch. Had to walk 
back to canip. Some hike, 

January 6th. On K. P. chopping wood all day. 

January 7th. Worked all day. When we got back 
they read the numbers of the men who were to go back 
to their outfit. My number was read too. Am some 
happy guy. 

January 8th. Marched us to Boru to a replacement 
camp and turned us loose. 

January 9th. Received all new equipment and put 
on the train. 

January 10th. Stopped in Paris for about 2 hours. 
Took the 4:40 train for La Mans. Changed at La Mans 
for Nougent. Slept all night in barns at Nougent. 

January 11th. Got up at 8 a. m. Marched over 
to the office. Rode 18 kilos on tinicks. Arrived at Belleme 
about 2 p. m. Reported back to Company. The Captain 
asked how I was getting along. Said, "Very well, sir." 

January 12th. Sat around all day. 

January 13th. Was on K. P. with Private Shaw 
Marteany. Was pretty hungry and went to get some 
meat and bread. Cook Myre said, "You have already got 
your share. I have 150 men to feed at 6:30." Got in 
a poker game at night and won 150 F. Played until 12 

January 14th. Physical drill and some squads East 
and West. Had a 2 mile hike in the afternoon. 

January 15th. Squads East and West and signal drill 

January 16th. Rained all day. Had lecture. 

January 17th. Had a problem. Rain and mud. 

January 18th. Went on guard. Met an old pal from 
Headquarters Company. Private Griffith is his name. 
About 8:30 the O. D. came in the guard house. No one 
Called "Attention." He said, "Don't you know what to do 
when an officer comes in?" We said, "Yes, sir, but we 
never saw you." He took all the Corporals names. Had 
No. 4 Post inside the guard house. Sat down all night. 

January 19th. Sunday. Came off guard at 11:30 a. 
m. Loafed around all day. 

January 20th. Physical drill, bayonet drill and 
squads east and west. In the afternoon we passed in 
review twice. Hiked about 8 miles to do this. Some 
tired when we got back. 

January 21st. Practiced for review by Gen. Pershing 
at the same field. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 21 



January 22nd. Practiced French drill. Marched us 
around and around in the morning. Had a field meet in 
the afternoon. Music by the 861st band. 

January 28rd. Had an 18 kilo hike to practice 
French drill. 

January 24th. Squads East and West. Was issued 
some shoes. 

January 25th. Took bath. Sent my clothes through 
the delouser. Stayed in all day drying my clothes. 

January 26th. Sunday. Pretty cold. Some snow. 

January 27th. Reviewed by Gen. Pershing. Hiked 
5 kilos with fixed bayonets. Had an early dinner and 
got to the field about noon. The whole Regiment was 
there. Stood until 4 o'clock in the snow and ice. Some 
cold feet. Almost frooze. Loot Coffee saw me spit in 
ranks and ordered me to report to the orderly room after 
we passed in review. Double timed about 1^/^ miles 
and was all in wheni got back to the billet. After mess 
reported to Captain for spitting in ranks. Got 3 days 
extra duty. 

January 28th. Marched out to drill ground. As- 
similated capturing machine guns. Trench mortars fired 
some gas shells. 

January 29th. Sighting and aiming drill. Retreat 
at 4 o'clock. 

January 30th. Wood hauling detail with Private 
Pete Faber. Gave the mule skinner some B. S. and did 
little work. 

January 31st. Sighting and aiming drill in a. m. 
Issued new shoes in p. m. 

February 1st. Took bath. Rest of day off. Got out 
of inspection. 

February 2nd. On bath detail with Private Offield 
carrying water. Some job carrying water for delouser. 
Had to carry it about 2 blocks. Now Oh! S. we are in 
the army. 

February 3rd. Clothes cleaning detail. 

February 4th. Ditto. 

February 5th. Ditto. 

February 6th. On parade. Some detail. Double 
time. 

February 7th. Clothes cleaning detail. 

February 8th. Inspection. E Company takes prize. 

February 9th. On K. P. with Romo and Jones. 

February 10th. Physical drill. Rapid fire. Physical 
inspection. 100 yd. race in 15 seconds. 



22 THE DIARY OF 



February 11th. Charge quarters. Some cold. Stole 
coal and wood. Equipment inspection. 

February 12th. Cleaned equipment On guard. 
Played Black Jack. Funeral of Sergeant Lezack, Co. F. 

February 13th. Cleaned Equipment. Played Black 
Jack. 

February 14th. Cleaned Equipment. Won 100 F. 
in Black Jack game. 

February 15th. Inspection with full pack. Called 
for long hair and dirtv gas mask. Had to reclean equip- 
ment. Wine detail. 

February 16th. Headache. Gambled. 

February 17th. Charge quarters. 

February 18th. Drilled in Rain. 

February 19th. Interior guard duty. 

Febiniary 20th. Squads East and West all day. 

February 21st. Field meet. Rained Hard. Company 
E won all honors. 

February 22nd. No inspection. Co. E had a big 
party. Some feed and plenty of drinks. Lasted until 
2 a. m. Was on the stage acting as Black Joe from 
Frisco. We all got cocoo. 

February 23rd. Sunday. Nothing to do. After 
dinner Sergeant Frey and I went for a 7 kilo hike. 
Bought a dozen eggs in the country and some meat. 
Sergeant Frey, McGonigle, Casabeer and I had some feed 
and plenty to drink. We ate so much we had to take 
a walk to settle our supper. Played Black Jack and 
was some lucky. Won 400 Francs. 

Febiniary 24th. Was on K. P. Rained all day hut 
tlie Company took a long hike. 

February 25th. Second platoon took a bath and 
drilled all day. 

February 26th. Was room orderly. Went on a wiTie 
detail and had a big supper and had a good feed with 
a private family. 

February 27th. Took a bath in the a. m. and went 
on another wine detail at noon. Was cooco the rest of the 
day. When I got back one of the boys put me to bed 
and didn't wake up until 7 o'clock. I was hungry so 
Sergeant Fry and I went out and got a big feed. 

February 28th. Was on a pie detail at the range. 
Was on No. 12 target. All the men firing on No. 12 
must have been cocoo for they only got two bullo-eyes. 
The mud was laiee deep all around. 

March 1st. Had inspection of rifles and side arms. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 23 




EXPLODING SHELLS AT YPRES 

German shells bursting behind our liner 
Ypres, Belgium, plainly showing the difference 
tween gas and high explosive shells, the light c 
being a gas shell, the large black one being v. 
inch high explosive. In the background you wil 
a small 18-pounder bursting. 



24 THE DIARY OF 



Every thing 0. K. Got into a poker game and played 
until reveille next morning. Broke even. 

March 2nd. Paid at 8 o'clock. 

March 3rd. The Company stood muster and inspec- 
tion of equipment and rifles. They were all dirty. The 
Captain said, "Of all the dirty, rotten, filthy outfits, you 
are one today. I am ashamed of you, the Major is 
ashamed of you, the Company officers are ashauied of you, 
and you should be ashamed of yourself." Went on out- 
post guard and had to take full field equipment;. Rained 
all night but we had some good feeds. 

March 4th. Came off guard and cleaned up. 

March 5th. Went on fatigue in the a. m. and washed 
up in the p. m. for inspection. 

March 6th. On wagon detail. 

March 7th. Changed billets. Fell in for drill at 1 
o'clock. Practiced new drill. 

March 8th. Stood inspection. Was room orderly. 
Pretty soft for me. 

March 9th. Turned in extra O. Ds. and shoes. Y. 
M. C. A. served hot chocolate and cookies in the p. m. 

March 10th. Had a real inspection. Nothing doing 
in the afternoon. Had a fight with Corporal Lanquist 
at night. Gave liim a black eye. He is wearing dark 
glasses now. 

March 11th. Embarkation officer inspected us on 
drill. Were on the bum proper but got by 0. K. Said 
we were the cleanest outfit he ever saw. Drilled in the 
afternoon. 

March 12th. Divisional inspection in the morning. 
Nothing doing in the p. m. 

March 13th. On fatigue detail. The Company had 
corn willie for dinner but I had a big feed at a restaurant. 

March 14th. On fatigue detail in the morning. Were 
supposed to drill in the p. m. but the Skipper opened his 
heart and let us off. Had a big show at the Y. M. C. 
A. Were supposed to take a bath but iTin out of water, 
so we were S. O. L. 

March 15th. Had inspection of full packs in morning 
preparatory to embarkation. No drill in the p. m. 

March 16th. Sunday. No drill. Played cards. 

March 17th. Passed in review for Major General 
Lewis of the 30th Division. Brig. Gen. McDonald was 
presented with the D. S. C. Sergeant West of the 363rd 
was presented with the Congressional Medal. Were in- 
spected by the Major. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 25 



March 18th. Company on guard. Corporal Eshel 
made a mistake and came to order arms and got bawlled 
out. This was the last guard mount for the Regiment in 
France. Had a field meet in the afternoon. 

March 19th. No drill. Policed up and got ready to 
move. Slept on stone floor with one blanket that night. 
Pretty cold. 

March 20th. Left Bellume, France, at 8 a. m. and 
hiked 23 kilos through Merci to Noganet. Arrived there 
at 1 p. m. Y. M. C. A. gave us a teaspoonful of chocolate 
and half a cooky. Given Right by File and loaded on 
box cars eight by tw^enty feet with 29 men with packs 
to a car. Believe me, we were some crowded. Put on 
guard so watched my chance for some one to get up so 
I could sit do^vn. Went through Le Mans at 6:20 and had 
supper at Sable at 7:30. Left Sable at 8 o'clock. 

March 21st. Arrived at St. Nazaire at 7 a. m. and 
had breakfast in the cars. Order to fall in for a 2 mile 
hike for Camp No. 2. It was 4 miles to camp and we 
carried full packs. Had inspection when we aiTived at 
camp and found one louse on a fellow so the whole 
division had to go through the delouser. Drew bed sacks, 
filled them with straw and hiked over to Camp 1 to turn 
in reserve rations. Returned and lined up for mess. 
There were 10,000 men feeding from one kitchen. Went 
to the Y. M. C. A. at 6:30 to see a movie. The place 
was so crowded that they tried to put some of us out. 
There was nothing doing with the bunch so they let us 
stay. The show was rotten. 

March 22nd. We moved to Camp No. 1, about 1^/^ 
miles. Nothing doing the rest of the morning. Played 
games in the afternoon until 2 o'clock. Lined up to take 
a bath and get clean clothes. 

March 23rd. Sunday. Rained all day. Nothing to 
do. Company fell in for mess at noon. Decided to wait 
until the line got short so I wouldn't have to wait so 
long. Went over when it was short and one of the Mess 
line officers saw me and asked, "Why didn't you line up 
with your Company?" I said, "Sir, it was raining too 
hard to stand in line." "All right", he said, "now you can 
wait until supper." 

March 24th. Played games and had Company drill 
in the morning. Identification inspection after mess and 
the rest of the day off. 

March 25th. Headquarters Company, Machine Gun 
Company and Supply Company went on board ship. Rest 



26 THE DIARY OF 



of the bunch played g-ames and drilled in the morning 
and had the afternoon off. 

March 26th. Lined up for breakest. Mush and tea. 
One hour's exercise and 1^/2 hours' drill. Rest of the day 
oif. 

March 27th. Little change at breakfast this a. ni. 
Had beans. At noon we had camouflaged bully beef 
(something the boys sure like) with tea. 

March 28th. It must havf^ been a holiday as we had 
2 hot cakes for breakfast. Signed the pay roll. 

March 29th. Don't know what we had for breakfast 
as I overslept. Ordered to get ready for inspection. Every 
thing ready when the top kicker said tlio inspection was 
called off. It must have been raining too hard. 

March oOth. Had physical exercise and drilled all 
morning. Took a bath in the afternoon. They put 300 
through in 5 minutes. You go in the bath house through 
one door and stay in 5 minutes and out the other side. 
Ten thousand men can get a bath in 1 hour. Some bath. 

March 31st. Played games and physical exercise in 
the morning. Paraded and Passed in review while they 
decorated one of the Q. M. Colonels in the afternoon. 

April 1st. Played games and had physical drill in 
the a. m. Cootie examination in the P. M. Hiked to 
Camp No. 2 and went through the cootie building. Told 
to stay around camp and be ready to go aboard ship. 
Got paid. Private Marks was asleep when hi? name was 
called. He got out of bed and put his overcoat on and 
went after his pay without dressing. 

April 2nd. Breakfast at 6:*30. Rolled packs and 
stacked rifles in the street. Policed the barracks and had 
dinner. Left camp at 1:30 and hiked 3 miles to St. 
Nazaire. The Y. M. C. A. gave us a cup of chocolate, 
2 cookies, a bar of chocolate, a package of gum and some 
cigarettes. Went on board the U. S. S. Mexican at 4 p. m. 
Were marched right by file down to '*D" deck. Had bunk 
No. 479. Were not allowed to smoke and had to stay by 
our bunks until all troops were on board. Had mess at 
7 o'clock consisting of a half cup of tea, two small pieces 
of bread, a can cf sardines and one O. D. spud. Had 
some time getting back to our deck as it was so crowded 
it was almost impossible to move in any direction. 

April 3rd. Left France at 4:30 in the moniing and 
had breakfast at 8 30. Had life boat drill at 3 o'clock. 
Sure had some time to move around for the drill. After 
that we had inspection. 



PRIVATE ROMEO 27 



April 4th. Had cootie inspection. The weather was 
very bad. Sea very rough and raining-. 

April 5th. Stood in canteen line for over 3 hours. 
Had another life-boat drill. 

April 6th. The Y. M. C. A. gave us a piece of 
lemon. The sea was pretty rough and nearly everybody 
was sick. Felt pretty good, myself. Got in a poker 
game and lost nearly 150 dollars. 

April 7th. Our Company on guard. I had Post No. 
12 of the second relief. It was cold and the sea was rough 
so I didn't get any sleep. 

April 8th. Sea a little better, but rained hard all 
day. Had boat drill and cootie inspection. The Y. M. C. 
A. gave us some candy. 

April 9th. Rained all day. The wind was strong 
and the sea sure was rough. One of the sailors got in 
a poker game and won about 300 bucks. Then an order 
came out prohibiting gambling. We used chips and 
cashed in after the game. They put an M. P. in each 
hold to stop gambling but that didn't make any difference. 

April 10th. Heard the top cutter say, "Get up, get 
up, you should have been up 2 hours ago." He nearly 
got beat up as he woke up some F Company boys. It 
rained a little in the morning but was fine in the after- 
noon. Got in a poker game and won about 50 bucks. 

April 11th. Got in the canteen line this morning 
and got some candy and peanut butter. Put them in my 
bunk. Private Romo found them and had a feed. I asked 
him about it and he said, "Private Ti-uax told me I could 
have them so I ate them. They gave us some postal 
cards in the afternoon. You couldn't guess what they 
were like. They were all alike and had printed on them, 
"I am safe and sound in the good old U. S. A. We were 
about 50 hours out of New York then. The sea was 
pretty rough. 

April 12th. The top cutter came around and told 
us to lay everything out on our bunks for inspection. 
Didn't eat any dinner but I did eat about 2 dollars worth 
of candy. Sea still rough but the sun shining bright. 

April 13th. We received orders to wash, shave and 
have our hair cut short. We rolled our packs and put 
all Red Cross bags inside. Got a letter from Gen. Persh- 
ing putting out some ad\ace. Got in a poker game and 
played 5 hands. Only stayed once and lost 65 smacks. 

April 14th. Ordered to turn in all fatigue clothes. 
Was on a detail to swab up the boat in the afternoon. 



28 THE DIARY OF 



The sea was calm and the sun very bright. We could 
see lots of boats and could see a lighthouse in the distance. 
We arrived at New York at 8:30 at night but staye<i 
on board until morning. 

April 15th. We got up at 4 o'clock and rolled our 
blankets. Had breakfast at 5. The boat pulled over to 
Pier No. 2 and we were ordered to go below and get our 
packs and stand by our bunks. After the boat tied up, 
we put on our packs and came ashore in sigle file. We 
stopped on the dock for about a half hour while the Red 
Cross, Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army and the Jewish Wel- 
fare put out some coffee, doughnuts, candy, chewing gum, 
cigarettes, matches and post cards. We got on a ferry 
at Pier 2 and landed at Brooklyn at 11:30. The Ked 
Cross gave us some real American cake, the first we had 
had for a long time. We boarded a Long Island train 
and landed at Camp Mills. Left the train and hiked about 
2 miles to our quarters. Arrived there about 2:15 p. m. 
Had dinner about 3 o'clock and it was the best feed since 
we had left Camp Lewis. Took a bath and went through 
the delouser at 12 that night. Issued new clothes. 

April 16th. Had a pass to New York. Arrived there 
at 2 o'clock. Had a shave the first thing and then walked 
around the streets. Went to the Salvation Army hotel 
for dinner. Sat downi at the table in the Cafateria and 
waited for some one to come and wait on me. None 
came so I asked the cashier if there were any K. Ps. on 
tlie job. She told me that I would have to get my own. 
Believe me, I sure went at it. Ham and eggs, bread, but- 
ter, pie, cake, French fried and Java, all for six bits. 
I checked my slicker and went to the Palace theatre. 
Price: one buck and eleven cents, but it was worth it. 
Went back to the Salvation Army hotel at 12:15 and hit 
the hay, beaucoup fatigue. Left a call for six o'clock. 

April 17th. Didn't get my call at 6 and slept until 
10. Was late on pass so was A. W. O. L. Started for 
camp and arrived there at 12 o'clock. Reported to the 
first soldier. Confined to quarters for an indefinite period 
for overstaying pass. 

April 18th. We had inspection and roll call at nine 
o'clock this morning. The Skipper took the Company to 
the show at 10 o'clock. Just as we were going in 20 
of us were taken out for detail. Loaded trucks until 
noon. Knocked off for dinner. After mess the Company 
lined up and had some pictures taken. Then I went back 



PRIVATE ROMEO 



29 




GERMAN ARTILLERY OBSERVATION POST 
(See Page 36 for Description) 



30 THE DIARY OF 



and loaded trucks the rest of the afternoon. Had niy 
picture taken with full pack. 

April 19. Raffled off a manicure set and it was 
won by Private W. H. Shaw. Went up to the supply 
room and drew some clothes. About 6 o'clock a nig-ger 
came along with a pair of dress shoes so I bought them 
for 2 and a half bucks. 

April 20th. Raffled off the shoes I bought. Got 
four and a half out of it. Bought the shoes bazk for 
two and a half. 

April 21st. The Company had their picture taken 
again. On guard again. Private Fritz was on kitchen 
guard so about 10 o'clock I went over and asked 
him how chances were to knock off a little food. He said 
it was 0. K. We only had about a dozen eggs apiece. 
When I came off at 12, I met Private O" Sri en and he 
said he was hungiy, so I took him to the kitche^i and fixed 
himself up with a feed. 

April 22nd. When we first came to tVAi camp we 
were ordered to stand reveille ever\' mominj^v- I'he fivEt 
morning only about half the gang were our. Tlie next 
morning only a few so the top kicker decided to check 
reveille. Now we have roll call every morn in j:. 

April 23rd. Rifle inspection this momin:/. Ordered 
not to leave the barracks for more than -SO m.inutes at 
a time as they were preparing to split the company into 
detachments to send to other camps for discharge. Sent 
a package of souvenirs home. The Company held a 
smoker with plenty of coffee, cake, and all Jvinds of fruit 
and ice cream. There were some good speeches by some 
of the men. After that we went to a movie. 

April 24th. Rolled our packs after breakfast. The 
Company was split in bunches. Hiked to the Long Island 
Rail Road and boarded the train. At four we were on 
our way. 

Ap'ril 25th. Got up at 8 o'clock in Pennsylvania. 
Stopped at Pittsburg at 9:30 for breakfast. Stopped at 
Alliance, Ohio for a few minutes where the Red Cross 
gave us coffee and doughnuts. Passed Through Fort 
Wayne, Indiana about 6 p. m. and aiTived at Chicago 
at l0:15 where we stayed 2 hours. There the Red Cross 
gave us candy, post cards and cigarettes. 

April 26th. Woke up in Waterto\\Ti, Wisconsin. The 
sun was shining bright and it was very warm but dusty. 
Hit LaCrosse, Wisconsin, at 10:30, and Minnesota City 
at 12 30. Got into Minneapolis at 4:30 and got off the 



PRIVATE ROMEO 31 



train for exercise. The Red Cross gave us candy, cigar- 
ettes and matches. Arrived at Montevideo at 8.30 p. m. 
where the Red Cross put out doughnuts and ice creani. 

April 27th. Arrived at Leninion, North Dakota at 
7:30. Also stopped at Hettinger for a few moments. 
Arrived at Miles City, Montana at 2:15 p. m. Here the 
Red Cross gave us oranges. Got into Roundup at 8:30 
and the whole to^\'n was out to greet us. 

April 28th, "\Mien we got up there was no water on 
the train and we had to wait until we hit Deer Lodge 
before we could wash. Landed there at 7:30. The Red 
Cross put out breakfast for us. Arrived at Missoula at 
1 and at St. Marie, Idaho at 3:30. Landed in Spokane, 
Washington, at 7 o'clock and went at once to the Spokane 
Hotel for the big feed. After mess we paraded until 
10:30 and then went back to the train. 

April 29th. Got into EUensburg at reveille and 
landed in Seattle at 11 o'clock. ]VIarched up to the Mason- 
ic Temple and had some swell eats. Marched back to 
the train and started for Tacoma at 4:45, arriving there 
at 6:30. Paraded around town and went to the Tacoma 
Commercial Club for another big feed. Marched back 
to the train and started for Camp Le\\is. This is some 
busy place for as soon as we hit camp they stail^ right 
out to muster out. We "hit the hay at 2 o'clock after 
turning in our packs. 

April 30th. Up at 6:30 and had breakfast. At 9 we 
we were lined up for our final physical exams. Had to 
take an exti'a one for heait trouble, but it was only a 
cold. Returned at 1 and verified sei-vice record and 
signed pay roll. At 7 o'clock, Bro^\^nan and I jazzed over 
to Greene Park and got a shave. On the way back we 
stopped at tlie Hostess House and had a red clievi^on 
sewed on by a Y. 3L C. A. girl. Were ti'eated to a supper. 

!May 1st. Got up late and didn't get much breakfast. 
Lined up at S o'clock for fmal dischai-ge papers and pay. 
Received my discharge and turned in my blankets. I was 
a free man again. Went over to the bus station and took 
a bus for Tacoma. 



Hurrah I Let 'er Buck I 
Powder River! 



Yours truly, 

G. L. ROMEO. 



32 THE DIARY OF 



THE ARGONNE DRIVE 



First over the top at the south end of the Arg-onne 
Forest on the 26th of September, 1918, we went to our 
position in the trenches. And some trenches they were, 
too. All the way from 6 to 12 feet deep. The reason 
they were so good is because the lines had been the same 
there since the first year of the war. 

The French trenches were nothing compared to the 
Boche trenches. They were certainly prepared to stay 
a while as every thing was fixed for tlie "winter. 

At an early hour on the morning of the 27th, our 
artillerj^ cut loose on them and I never heard such a noise 
in my life. Some of the artillery were only a few yards 
beliind our trenches and the shells whined directly over 
our heads. By daylight I could hardly see from a very 
severe headache and th-3 smoke and gas. We were com- 
pelled to put on our masks several times and on that 
advance many of the boys went back gassed. 

On the edge of the towm some 90 Germans gave 
themselves up in one bunch. They said that they did not 
want to fight the Yanks. They had ditched their g^as 
masks and helmets, and how they ever got through our 
lines without being gassed is more than I can say. It 
is verj^ likely that many of them did get it. 

Some of the prisoners were nothing but school boys, 
some not over 15 years of age. I never knew how many 
prisoners were taken at that town but there was a bunch 
of them taken behind our lines. They were taken 2 at 
a time and in bunches of 8 or 10. 

The Boche Infantry wouldn't put up a fight against 
the Yanks as they knew tliey were whipped and no doubt 
outnumbered. Grand Pre was where we finished our first 
day's fight in the Argonne. 

We went over the top at daylight the next day 
and then I found what it was to be under artillery fire. 
Fritz could see us as soon as we left the trenches and 
he sure gave it to us good and plenty. We lost a great 
many men before we reached their trenches. When we 
did reach their first line trenches, we found an awful 
mess. Our artillery had Literally blown the whole place 
to pTeces and there was nothing to be found but dead 
Germans. 



PRIVATE ROMEO S3 



The first two days of fighting, we made good progress^ 
for the artillery kept things in front of us cleaned up, 
but after that the artillery got so far behind that they 
were of very little help. It was then that we began to 
bump into those infernal machine gun nests. They were 
hidden in trees, in old trenches, on evey road and on every 
hill top. There were many places where we found it 
impossible to advance without first ordering over a 
barrage from our artillery. In one place we were held 
3 days before our artilleiy could clean out the nests so 
we could get through. Those are the places where we 
lost men. 

We took many prisoners all the way through, most 
of them being machine gunners. We also killed a great 
many with our rifles and rifle grenades. The Yank rifle 
grenade was something terrible. Just one bursting over 
a machine gun nest is enough. If it doesn't kill every 
one in it, those that remain do not wait for the second 
one to come over. The only bad feature is the short 
distance that it will carry. It is only good for about 150 
yards and it was impossible to get that close at times. 
It was then that we had to order the artillery to send 
over a barrage. 

Several times in the forest we were caught in our 
own barrage which made things very unpleasant for us. 

One Regiment of our Division, the 863rd Infantry, 
was trapped for a wliile. They had nothing to eat except 
machine gun bullets and shrapnel and that was very hard 
to digest. They put up a desparate fight and what was 
left of them finally fought ther way out. 

The hardest fighting was in capturing the town of 
Eclesfontaine. It was located about a mile from the 
edge of the forest and we had to advance through the 
open fields to reach it. We started the advance about 
2 p. m. I was knocked down when a whizz-bang ex- 
ploded near me. It didn't hurt me but I received a mighty 
good scare. It made me nervous for a few minutes 
and my head was nearly split open from the concussion. 

Th Germans sent over a bunch of gas that afternoon, 
both sneezing and mustard gas being the main ones used. 

After that we were ordered to the rear for a rest 
and then into Belgium. 



34 THE DIARY OF 



THE CASUALTY LIST 



Division Killed in Died of Missing in Prisoners Total 





Action 


Wounds 


Action 






1 


2203 


1050 


1789 


106 


5248 


2 


2716 


1329 


1067 


148 


5268 


3 


1901 


589 


873 


254 


3617 


4 


1500 


618 


817 


51 


2986 


5 


970 


505 


989 


60 


2504 


6 


49 


67 


3 


3 


122 


7 


175 


98 


50 


3 


326 


26 


1388 


560 


462 


354 


2864 


27 


1302 


404 


330 


158 


2194 


28 


1544 


553 


1174 


619 


3890 


29 


597 


220 


267 


33 


1117 


30 


1084 


415 


251 


22 


1772 


32 


1694 


708 


768 


43 


3213 


35 


596 


217 


808 


112 


1738 


36 


328 


217 


808 


112 


1772 


37 


658 


116 


303 


2 


869 


42 


1702 


289 


440 


85 


2950 


77 


1275 


552 


529 


336 


2692 


78 


915 


339 


508 


63 


1825 


79 


880 


352 


1142 


9 


2389 


80 


636 


337 


286 


96 


1355 


81 


203 


86 


79 


2 


270 


82 


802 


324 


271 


189 


1592 


88 


20 


33 


7 


6 


66 


89 


838 


427 


" 256 


4 


1525 


90 


936 


427 


287 


35 


1585 


91 


934 


275 


470 


23 


1702 


92 


109 


50 


47 


5 


211 


93 


372 


105 


8 


4 


489 



PRIVATE ROMEO 



35 



91st DIVISION CASUALTY LIST 



Regiment Killed in Died of Missing* in Prisoners Total 
Action Wounds Action 



361 Inf. 227 

362 Inf. 240 

363 Inf. 208 

364 Inf. 142 

346 M. G. 
Battalion 2 

347 M. G. 
Battalion 42 

348 M. G. 
Battalion 25 

346 Art 

347 Art 

348 Art 

316 T. M. 

Battery 

316 Eng. 28 



78 
64 
54 
41 

1 

15 

9 



89 
190 
101 

62 


4 
6 



2 


446 


11 


475 


8 


371 


2 


247 





3 





61 





40 



13 



Total 



934 



275 



18 
470 



59 



23 



1702 



IN FLANDERS FIELDS 



In Flanders field the poppies blow 

Between the crosses, row on row, 
That mark our place; and in the sky 
The larks still bravely singing fly, 

Scarce heard amidst the guns below. 
We are the dead. 

Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw 
sunsets glow. 
Loved and were loved, and now we lie 

In Flanders fields. 
Take up our quarrel with the foe. 

To you from falling hands we throw the 
Torch- 
Be yours to hold it high; 

If ye break faith with us who die. 
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 
In Flanders fields. 

— [Lieut. Col. John McCrae, Montreal, 
Canada. 



THE DIARY OF 



(-• i FLANDERS MUD. 

A typical scene behind the lines at the Somme, 
showing the famous Flanders mud. The boys were 
compelled to spend many months under these con- 
ditioris, wading through mud up to their waist lines. 
One can readily imagine the difficulty experienced 
wallowing through this mud with rations, ammunition 
and water, taking from four to eight hours to traverse 
^distance of two miles. The Somme will never be for- 
gotten by any of our boys, and many of them will never 
recover from the exposure and hardships endured while 
on duty at this front. 



GERMAN ARTILLERY OBSERVATION POST 

This wonderful picture shows what is known as a 
camouflage German Artillery Observation Post. You will 
•notice the observer's crow's nest in the top from which 
ipoint the Germans were able to watch the effect of their 
■artillery fire on our front line trenches. These are built 
to a height of from 40 to 50 feet. They are constructed 
by the use of poles set in cement, and covered with tree 
limbs and painted burlap. These posts are camouflaged 
;in this manner, so they cannot be detected by our airmen 
.or obsrvation ballons. Often there are machine gun em- 
placements and sniper's posts concealed therein. To the 
left of the ladder you will note a small dugout used by 
the Germans while off duty. 



MAMMOTH SHELL HOLE. 

The picture shown is an actual reproduction of 
the photograph taken from a captured Prussian guard 
officer on being searched June 8, 1916. This photograph 
givs one a good idea of the destruction which it might' 
cause dropping amongst a battalion. This was taken 
some thirteen miles behind the German lines by a German 
officer, and is typical of millions of holes made by the 
heavy guns on the western front. This hole being 12 feet 
deep and 22 feet in diameter, affords a good swimming- 
hole for our boys. Oftimes as many men lose their lives 
by falling into these holes during an attack as those being 
'hit by shells. Note the look of amazement on the German 
officer's face, wondering where the next one will land. 



Piq:VATE ROMEO 37 



ADDRESS BY COLONEL DAVIS 



The 361st Infantry has received its baptism of fire and has 
justified all predictions as to what its conduct would be. It has 
most creditably upheld all traditions that go toward establishing 
a worthy reputation in the military service. Never bnce has ii 
faltered in any of the tasks assigned to the regiment ; -, not once 
has it been ordered to advance but what it gained the necessary, 
ground, and it is with well founded pride that we know that, on 
the high roll of honor of illustrious regiments of this war, must be 
written the name of the 361st Infantry. The Commander-in-Chief 
congratulates you one and all and extends to you, to our wounded 
and sick, as well as to those who have passed away, liis sincere 
thanks for the glorious achievements of this splendid regiment. 

We are assembled here to-day, however, not to glory in. our. 
achievements, but to come to a realization of the high price we 
have paid for our victories and bring back to our minds th® 
memories of our friends and comrades who have fallen in this 
great cause and who have been sacrificed that our inhuman foe 
might be vanquished and the world made safe for our families and! 
to our posterity. They are gone but what can be greater than to 
be laid away with the consecrated knowledge that one has given 
his very all to the work and in a cause than which there nevei^ 
was better or more righteous. We honor our dead yet more do they* 
honor us as we bring back to our memory Miller Farwell, D. Smith 
Long and Paul Moore and others of our illustrious dead. We 
see them again as upright stalwart men who struggled to do their 
duties, never looking back but always encouraging and protecting 
others and went fearlessly to their deaths. We are lonely without 
them and grieve 'deeply that they should have been sacrificed. 
Their memoiT will always be with us as an example to us in 
many ways, and at this time and for ever after, our hearts must 
go out to their mothers and fathers, their wives and children and 
to their sweethearts — they are the sufferers now and their sacrifice 
is the greater in that they must continue on in life without their 
loved ones. We must ever remember their sad bereavement and 
stand ready to assist them because of their sacrifices to our cause. 

The Division has sent to us officers and men to take the 
place of those who have gone and we welcome you to our. ^-egiment 
with all our hearts and souls and we ask you to beconde one of 
the great family that exists in this regiment ' as our cause is ^ our 
cause and we are all of one blood. Let your sorrows be our sorrows, 
the joys of one be the joys of the other. We will fight ' side by 
side, suffer side by side, and with this thought, we wplcon.e : ou 
to the 361st Infantry. We are proud of the Regiment as we are 
proud of you now a part of it and it must be for evermore be 
your pride and love. We are glad to have you with us on t .is 
occasion and we feel that the souls of those glorious ones who lave 
departed welcome you as stix»ngly as we do ourselves. 

Colonel Davis, Commanding 361st Infantry, was killed ia 
action in Belgium, November 2, 1918, and buried at Warle^sem 
Belgium. ■ . ^ 



THE DIARY OF 



ODE TO THE 91st DIVISION. 



From all over the West they heard the call 
And freely came and gave their all; • 
farmers, mechanics, pushers of quill, 
Shipped to Camp Lewis to learn their drill. 
"We'll stick together" the boys all vowed, 
'fOf the 91st Division the world shall be proud." 
So they shipped them to France, so far away, 
In the name of Fi-eedom and the U. S. A. 
Boom of thunder and the lightning flash, 
*rhe torn earth rocks to the barrage crash. 
The strongholds in the Argonne almost sway 
But the 91st Division saves the day. 
Few men live to answer the roll; 
The boys of the Division paid the toll; 
Paid with their lives — their all they gave, 
And sleep their last sleep in a soldier's grave. 



"When the war drums cease their throbbing, 

And the battle flags are furled 
In the parliament of nations. 

The federation of the world." 



>i 

Copeland & Son, Printers, Tacoma, Wash. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



020 934 488 9 



